Young Professionals in the American Red Cross: Quick-Start Guide

fundraise host a blood drive at work learn first aid and cpr play a round of golf for fl o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour r a i s e money to save a child f r o m measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer make new connections help build successful corporate partnerships meet a d i v e r s e group of new Young Professionals in the American Red Cross people build the s k i l l s you need to become a better Quick-Start Guide l e a d e r visit a veteran attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give work with other young professionals in your area s h a r e y o u r talents join a disaster action team build relationships get certified in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 1 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn first Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for fl o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour r a i s e money Acknowledgments to save a child This guide was made possible by the hard work of the American Red Cross National Youth f r o m measles Council and the National Young Professionals Council. change a life mentor a high school volunteer make new connections help build successful Mahati Acharya corporate Karuna Dewan partnerships meet a Shruti Mathur d i v e r s e Sandy Tesch group of new people build the We would like to thank the following employees and volunteers from chapters and the s k i l l s you Office of the National Chair of Volunteers at national headquarters for their contributions. need to become a better Darren Foster Office of the National Chair of Volunteers, National Headquarters l e a d e r visit a Allison Koenigbauer American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan veteran Courtney Manuel American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Amelia Marian Office of the National Chair of Volunteers, National Headquarters Corinne McManus American Red Cross of Greater Columbus attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give Heather Pritchett Arlington County Chapter work with other young professionals in your area Design: Justin Lam s h a r e y o u r talents join a disaster action team build relationships get certified in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 2 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn first Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for fl o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour Table of Contents. r a i s e money to save The Case for Young Professionals Groups | 4 a child f r o m Getting Started | 8 measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer make new connections Structure | 8 help build successful Programming | 8 corporate partnerships Recruitment | 11 meet a d i v e r s e group of new Best Practices | 14 people build the Networking and fundraising | 14 s k i l l s you Mentorship | 14 need to become a better Diversity | 15 l e a d e r visit a Make It Your Red Cross Experience: Info Sheet | 16 veteran attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give work with other young professionals in your area s h a r e y o u r talents join a disaster action team build relationships get certified in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 3 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour The Case for Young r a i s e money to save a child Professionals Groups. f r o m measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer make new connections help build What are American Red Cross young professionals groups? successful corporate Why are they important? partnerships meet a d i v e r s e American Red Cross young professionals groups are a commitment to targeting and incorporating group of new an important segment of the population—21- to 35-year-olds—in all aspects of the American Red people Cross. This key demographic, herein referred to as young professionals or American Red Cross build the s k i l l s young professionals group members, may overlap in age with young adult volunteers, but are defined you by their status as members of the working world, recent college graduates, and graduate students. need to become a better American Red Cross young professionals groups are assemblies of dedicated volunteers who l e a d e r visit a support the Red Cross mission, generally through event-based fundraising activities. They build veteran awareness for the Red Cross among young, civic-minded philanthropists, promoting opportunities for fundraising as well as service delivery, like disaster relief, blood services, and preparedness education. People from all industries and backgrounds and with differing levels of Red Cross attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give experience join American Red Cross young professionals groups because of a common interest in work with other young the mission of the American Red Cross. professionals in your area s h a r e A great draw of American Red Cross young professionals groups is the opportunity to network with y o u r other young professionals. Young professionals may be living in a new city and looking for social talents activities to connect with their peers. American Red Cross young professionals groups capitalize on

this need. Many large corporations encourage their employees to volunteer and give money, often join a disaster action team matching their financial contributions and encouraging philanthropic endeavors in the workplace. This unique mix of social and career opportunities makes American Red Cross young professionals groups an attractive experience for young professionals across the country. build relationships get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 4 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn first Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for fl o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour r a i s e You may be wondering why the young professional demographic warrants a separate program, with money different recruitment methods and activities. By understanding and catering to the needs of different to save a child segments of the population, like young professionals, you will help your volunteers and donors f r o m have a more meaningful experience with the Red Cross. American Red Cross young professionals measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer groups present the opportunity to involve talented and generous young people on their terms, and make new connections help build encourages them to support the Red Cross throughout their lives. successful corporate Incorporating partnerships What can a young professionals group do for my unit? meet a a commitment d i v e r s e group of to young Young professionals can bring a number of things to your Red Cross unit, including diversity, new people professionals expertise in new areas, and additional fundraising opportunities. Additionally, American Red Cross build the at your unit young professionals groups can be an important method for creating lifelong supporters of your s k i l l s you can serve as a chapter and the Red Cross. need to become worthy tool for a better Develop career paths for your young volunteers l e a d e r the retention and visit a Involving young professionals in the American Red Cross adds new skills and enthusiasm to your veteran recognition of efforts, develops new leaders for your unit, and provides clear career paths for current youth and an already loyal young adult volunteers. The Red Cross has developed solid and recognizable programs for young volunteer base. people age 24 and younger, and, as a result, thousands of youth and young adults volunteer for the attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give American Red Cross through high school or college programs. Upon graduating, entering into a work with other young new phase of life, or transitioning to a new city, these young people may lose their connection to the professionals organization. Incorporating an American Red Cross young professionals group within your unit can in your area s h a r e serve as a worthy tool for the retention and recognition of an already loyal volunteer base. y o u r talents join a disaster action team build relationships get certified in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 5 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour Utilize the unique skills of young professionals r a i s e Young professionals can bring many skills and assets to your unit. Potential members include money to save employees at local businesses who may help you tap into corporate networks for funds and in- a child kind gifts or to organize a blood drive partnership. At the same time, young professionals may f r o m have disposable income, which they may choose to donate to the Red Cross. By building a strong measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer network of young professional volunteers, you will gain access to local businesses and new potential make new connections help build donors. successful corporate American Red Cross young professionals group members will also contribute valuable technical partnerships meet a skills to your unit. During the week, young professionals hold a variety of paid positions at local d i v e r s e group of organizations. As volunteers, they can bring those valuable services to your unit. Young professionals new are likely to be technologically savvy and can help you integrate advanced technology into your people operations. They could help you build a web site or use social media to promote the Red Cross. build the s k i l l s you need to American Red Cross young professionals group members can also help you mobilize the college become and high school students in your area. As young professionals, they help bridge the gap between a better l e a d e r young and old. American Red Cross young professionals group members can serve as advisors to visit a Red Cross Clubs or they can help your unit recruit additional youth and young adult volunteers. A veteran commitment to American Red Cross young professionals groups will give your young volunteers a strong set of mentors and show students how they can remain involved with the Red Cross when

they enter the workforce. series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give work with other young professionals Ensure future leadership for your unit in your area American Red Cross young professionals groups will also help ensure strong future leadership s h a r e for the American Red Cross. Many outstanding young volunteers find few volunteer opportunities y o u r talents targeted toward them once they become young professionals. American Red Cross young professionals groups will give young professionals the social networking and professional development opportunities required to get or keep them involved with the American Red Cross. join a disaster action team And by recruiting and retaining volunteers during this stage of life, the American Red Cross will be

guaranteed strong leadership now and in the future. build relationships get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 6 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour There are no set boundaries for age or for the scope of activities associated with the young r a i s e professionals market. Together with your American Red Cross young professionals group leaders, money you can organize outreach based on the interests and needs of your community. This guide provides to save a child basic information, assistance on getting started, and examples of American Red Cross young f r o m professionals groups already up and running at units across the country. measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer make new connections help build Sounds great. Where do we start? successful corporate This guide will help you organize a successful program. In order to thrive, a program for young partnerships meet a professionals must be run by young professionals themselves. If you don’t already have a few young d i v e r s e group of professional leaders in mind, start out by recruiting from groups already supported by your unit. You new could hold a recognition event for graduating seniors from college Red Cross clubs in your area. people build the While you’re thanking them for their contributions, you can also find out who would like to keep s k i l l s volunteering as a young professional. you need to become You may also want to approach local large- and medium-size companies with advertising materials a better l e a d e r for your American Red Cross young professionals groups. And don’t forget to recruit from visit a veteran professional schools, like local law schools, medical schools, and business schools. These students are often looking for easy ways to stay involved with community service and add to their resume. Your current board members may also have ideas for how to reach young professionals, and may have attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend

connections at local companies or universities. passion your discover give work with other young When a few young professionals offer their time to organize an American Red Cross young professionals in your area professionals group, use the info sheet in the appendix of this guide to gauge their interest. If they s h a r e are on board, use specific advice in the following section to set up the program. ogether,T you can y o u r talents discuss the goals and structure of the program, potential activities, and set up your first recruitment event. join a disaster action team build relationships get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 7 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour Getting Started. r a i s e money to save Structure a child f r o m You may choose to set up your American Red Cross young professionals groups as a membership- measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer based group, where volunteers make a tax-deductible gift to your unit to become an official American make new connections Red Cross young professionals groups member. Consider offering different levels of membership help build successful with special benefits associated with each level. For example, the National Capital Region offers corporate memberships at the bronze level for $35, silver level for $50, gold level for $200, and platinum level partnerships meet a for $500. The funds can enable your group to plan service projects and events. Work with your unit d i v e r s e A young and see the budget guidance for details on how to manage funds. group of new professionals people Alternatively, your American Red Cross young professionals group can put on events like fundraisers build the group can be a s k i l l s major fundraising and days of service throughout the year, without a formal membership structure. Either way, you your American Red Cross young professionals groups should have a leadership structure, like a need to force at your unit. become leadership committee, that provides opportunities for young professionals to take ownership of the a better l e a d e r program and thus be more engaged in the Red Cross mission and gain useful leadership skills. visit a veteran Programming attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give Fundraising work with other young professionals American Red Cross young professionals groups can be a major fundraising force at your unit. Many in your area s h a r e young professionals work at high-profile companies and can help bring in major gifts, establish y o u r corporate partnerships, and multiply the value of their individual gifts through matching programs at talents work. Asking young professionals to make personal contributions, even in small amounts, sets the

stage for major giving later in life. join a disaster action team

Social networking events, like happy hours, at local bars and restaurants are often the perfect mix of socializing and philanthropy that young professionals are looking for. And since many companies are build relationships get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 8 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour interested in marketing to young professionals with new disposable income, they are likely to sponsor r a i s e your American Red Cross young professionals group events. Developing relationships with beverage money vendors and event venues will bring in members as well as resources. Check out the best practices to save a child section at the end of this guide to see how happy hour fundraisers have worked for other units. f r o m measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer If you’d like to diversify your event calendar, consider these fundraising ideas and think about what make new connections help build might work at your unit. Take note of other profitable fundraisers in your community and try to successful replicate their success. corporate partnerships meet a • Fashion show, partnering with local designers/design schools d i v e r s e • Date auction group of new • Wine tasting people • Concert build the s k i l l s • Speaker series with networking reception you Leadership training seminar need to • become • International Humanitarian Law training a better l e a d e r • Silent auction visit a • Golf tournament veteran • Midnight cruise • Celebrity chefs • Oscar night attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give • Masquerade ball work with other young • Speed networking/dating professionals in your area • Comedy night s h a r e • Sporting event y o u r • Bar or restaurant night talents • Red Cross themed event: Red Cross Month, World Red Cross Day • Sponsor a Red Cross group at another widely publicized event, like a marathon join a disaster action team • Or, co-sponsor an existing event like a film festival! build relationships

Don’t forget: Once you have active young professional volunteers, you can invite them to other get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 9 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour events, including fundraisers, at your unit. They can even help you increase attendance by reaching r a i s e out to a diverse and often overlooked segment of your community. money to save a child Service projects and other ideas f r o m measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer make new connections Offering a wide range of training and volunteer opportunities can be mutually beneficial as incentives help build for young professionals to stay involved with the Red Cross and become teachers and mentors. successful Though American Red Cross young professionals group programming tends to center around corporate fundraising, you may want to try these service delivery activities to keep people engaged. This is also partnerships meet a a great opportunity for young professionals to learn more about the Red Cross mission. d i v e r s e group of new • Offer First Aid and CPR classes people build the • Provide preparedness information to local companies s k i l l s • Hold a networking event with a guest speaker, like one of your prominent board members you need to • Spotlight a young professional in your Heroes Campaign become Sponsor a marathon or cycling team a better • l e a d e r • Conduct a donation drive (i.e., for comfort kit materials) visit a veteran • Host a thank-a-thon to thank donors by phone • Sponsor a blood drive • Holiday Mail for Heroes attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend

Team Firestoppers passion your discover • give work with other young professionals Leadership opportunities in your area s h a r e y o u r Developing a plan to retain the volunteers you recruit through American Red Cross young talents professionals groups is essential. Make sure you are prepared to offer additional meaningful opportunities to your young professional volunteers, including leadership positions. American Red join a disaster action team Cross young professionals groups may become a feeder program for the Board of Directors and this could open the door to other roles at the regional or national levels. Take a look at the committees

and leadership positions at your unit and make sure that young professionals are represented. The build relationships

opportunity to move upward with increasing responsibility in the Red Cross organization is one of our get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 10 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour best built-in marketing tools. r a i s e money to save Recruitment a child f r o m measles Getting the word out to your target audience is crucial to the success of your American Red Cross change a life mentor a high school volunteer make new connections young professionals groups. Look through these ideas and figure out what will work best for your help build community. successful corporate partnerships Word of mouth meet a d i v e r s e group of new Inviting your friends and coworkers is an easy way to grow your American Red Cross young people professionals groups. Explain what your group does, be enthusiastic and ask them to join the effort. If build the s k i l l s they can make it, they will check out at least one event. Start by asking at least five people to bring a you few extra friends with them to the next event. If you get a chain of people recruiting before the event, need to become you will be very happy with the turnout. Asking young employees at your unit to invite their friends a better Asking young can be a great way to get started. Once you have a core group, ask the members what they would l e a d e r visit a employees at like to see in their American Red Cross young professionals groups. veteran your unit to invite their friends can Online attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover be a great way to give You may also advertise your American Red Cross young professionals group online and via e-mail. work with other young get started. Your methods may vary depending on your budget and your technical expertise. professionals in your area s h a r e Create a position called “young professionals group member” on Volunteer Connection. Consider y o u r creating a listing on VolunteerMatch.org that specifically requests young professional volunteers talents (include an application link to Volunteer Connection). That way, young professionals will know there

are service opportunities tailored to their needs. join a disaster action team

Keep track of your members’ e-mail addresses so you can send them updates and invitations to build relationships

events, items they can easily forward to their friends and coworkers. Consider e-mailing other get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 11 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour groups, like other young professionals networks, to spread the word about your opportunities. r a i s e money Young professionals will find your American Red Cross young professionals group to be more to save a child credible if it has a professional-looking page on your unit’s web site. Use this page to explain what f r o m an American Red Cross young professionals group is, promote upcoming opportunities and highlight measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer past events. make new connections help build successful Advertising on Facebook can be easy and inexpensive. You can create a group and event invitations corporate to connect with young professionals for free. If you’re willing to pay for advertising, it costs as little as partnerships meet a $5.00 to put up an ad that will be viewed 10,000 times. d i v e r s e group of new Craigslist.org is also worth considering. Advertise your events for free in the Community section people under “Volunteers.” build the s k i l l s you Many publications run an online calendar of events or spotlight different organizations that need to become need volunteers. Take a look at your local newspapers and magazines to see what advertising a better l e a d e r opportunities exist. visit a veteran Print attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend

Distributing flyers and posters in public areas is another way to tell people about your American passion your discover give work with Red Cross young professionals group. Depending on your location, the people you target, and other young the resources at your disposal, challenge yourself to think of other interesting ways to catch eyes. professionals in your area Bulletin boards, chalk writing on sidewalks, t-shirts, billboards, stickers…if you think it’ll work, try it! s h a r e y o u r talents Use the young professional materials that are available on Brand Central, including a one page flyer template and business card sized flyers. join a disaster action team build relationships get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 12 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour Final Steps r a i s e money to save Set aside time in your American Red Cross young professionals group’s planning to consider your a child measures and outcomes. Did you achieve the goals you established at the beginning? Would you f r o m like to focus on a different aspect of the program going forward? Find an evaluation method that measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer works for you and use what you learn to make your program better. make new connections help build successful Also, don’t forget to promote your work! This kind of marketing will advocate for the Red Cross in corporate your community and make American Red Cross young professionals group members proud of their partnerships meet a accomplishments. Tell your story to local newspapers and newsletters, blogs, radio stations, TV d i v e r s e group of stations, and local cable TV shows. Feature your American Red Cross young professionals groups new on the home page of your unit’s web site. people build the s k i l l s Ask American Red Cross young professionals group members to include short stories about their you need to fundraising and volunteer work in their workplace publications. Nominate American Red Cross young become professionals group members for awards given by their companies or local community organizations. a better l e a d e r visit a Share your successes and challenges with other Red Cross units. Promote your work at regional veteran Red Cross meetings. Keep the National Young Professionals Council in the loop so others may benefit from your experience. The National Young Professionals Council is here to spread the word

about American Red Cross young professionals groups, share best practices, and connect you with series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give other programs for young professionals. Keep in touch with us at [email protected]. work with other young professionals in your area s h a r e y o u r talents join a disaster action team build relationships get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 13 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour Best Practices. r a i s e money There are many ways to involve young professionals at your unit. Below you will find to save a child a compilation of best practices you can use for guidance and inspiration. All of these f r o m ideas can be tailored to meet your needs and goals. measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer make new connections help build Best Practice | Chicago, IL successful Networking and Fundraising corporate The American Red Cross of Greater partnerships Chicago raised $10,000 through two meet a Speaker Series d i v e r s e American Red Cross young professionals Invite a few prominent people to speak about a topic that will intrigue young professionals. Recruit group of new group happy hour events. They partnered high-profile people like diplomats, corporate executives, and major donors to speak or to attend the people with local beverage companies to offer a events. Host a networking reception before or after. You may charge an entrance fee and give the build the s k i l l s free drink and appetizers for three hours at proceeds to the preferred cause at your unit. you a local bar. Attendees paid a flat entrance need to become fee of $20-30. Happy Hour a better l e a d e r Partner with a local bar, restaurant, pub, or lounge to organize a American Red Cross young visit a veteran professionals group networking happy hour with exclusive discounts. Charge a flat entrance fee for everyone or a fee for non-members. This is a low-pressure environment where young professionals can learn about the American Red Cross and network with peers. Have a series of happy hour attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover Best Practice | Arlington, VA events with a goal to build the number of people who attend each time. Try partnering with local give work with companies or consider organizing a holiday-related event. Also try collaborating with a social other young The National Capital Region sold organization (for example, Asian American Professionals) that already has an audience and is looking professionals in your area bracelets at the door of a local brewery to make a group donation to a non-profit. Be sure to highlight and thank the organizations that s h a r e and raised $1,600. In exchange for buying helped with your event! y o u r a bracelet, donors enjoyed $2 drinks all talents night. On another evening, the American Red Cross young professionals group Mentorship join a disaster action team in Arlington collected donations at the door and received 20 percent of the bar’s Red Cross Club Mentors build relationships

proceeds for that night, raising more than American Red Cross young professionals group members can mentor youth and young adult get certiﬁed in something new to you

$1,000. volunteers in your Red Cross Clubs. As young professionals, American Red Cross young concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 14 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Quick-Start Guide and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d Best Practice | Los Angeles, CA victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour professionals group members can relay valuable information about the college admissions process, r a i s e The young professional volunteers at potential careers, and future volunteer opportunities with the American Red Cross. You could even money the American Red Cross of Greater create a more personalized big brothers/big sisters program to match individual students with to save a child Los Angeles serve as youth advisors to American Red Cross young professionals group members who share similar interests. nearby Red Cross Clubs. They coordinate f r o m measles communication between the clubs and change a life mentor a high school volunteer make new connections the chapter and also attend major club Diversity help build events and meetings. The use of young successful professionals has been particularly Youth and young adult volunteers are the most diverse segment of the American Red Cross volunteer corporate partnerships beneficial because there is a small age base. Similarly, young professionals come from all walks of life and work in various fields. Use your meet a d i v e r s e gap. Many of the American Red Cross unit’s statistics from the Volunteer Satisfaction Survey to analyze your volunteer demographics before group of young professionals group members and after recruiting more young volunteers. new people previously started Red Cross Clubs build the at their high schools and colleges and s k i l l s you therefore have a lot of practical experience need to to pass along. become a better l e a d e r visit a Best Practice | Austin, TX veteran

When the American Red Cross of Central Texas started its American Red Cross attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give young professionals group, staff wanted work with other young to be sure there was enough interest in professionals in your area the community. They began by conducting s h a r e market research, bringing in groups y o u r of recent graduates and older young talents professionals to talk about potential goals for the program. With these opinions, the join a disaster action team chapter launched an American Red Cross young professionals group that integrated build relationships

young professionals from all backgrounds get certiﬁed in something new to you

into existing chapter activities. concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals 15 / 18 fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Info Sheet and cpr play a round of golf Make It Your for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour Red Cross Experience. r a i s e money to save This info sheet is brought to you by American Red Cross National Young a child f r o m Professionals Council. We strive to represent young professional volunteers measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer between the ages of 21 and 35 and work to engage our peers in the make new connections help build humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross. We invite you to reach successful out to the Council and use this Quick-Start Guide as resources to make a corporate partnerships difference in your community. meet a d i v e r s e group of new Young professionals have no shortage of talent community projects people and energy to give to the Red Cross. We provide • Earn certifications in Disaster Services build the s k i l l s relief to victims of disasters, organize fundraisers, courses, First Aid, CPR and leadership you mentor young volunteers, teach lifesaving training • Gain respect in your workplace by promoting need to become courses, and serve on boards of directors. volunteer activities a better l e a d e r And in exchange, our Red Cross experience visit a offers us valuable networking and skill-building If you’re interested in establishing more Red veteran opportunities, opening doors to new people and Cross opportunities for young professionals in leadership positions. your area, use these 5 simple steps to get started. attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover give As a young professional volunteer with the 1. Visit your local chapter work with other young American Red Cross, you can: Set up a meeting with staff at your local Red professionals Cross chapter. Introduce yourself and talk about in your area s h a r e • Gain useful leadership skills your ideas. Ask questions! Find out what you y o u r • Organize or attend networking events at local need to know about how the Red Cross serves talents restaurants or bars your community.

• Raise money to support the Red Cross join a disaster action team mission Spend some time assessing the chapter’s • Mentor high school and college youth current programs and needs. Think about how • Initiate meaningful corporate partnerships young professionals could add the most value build relationships • Contribute your talents and technical skills to by contributing time and resources to the Red get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals fundraise host a blood drive at work learn ﬁrst Young Professionals in the American Red Cross aid Info Sheet and cpr play a round of golf for ﬂ o o d victim become a board member relief host a club red happy hour r a i s e Cross. Compile a list of local colleges, corporate members. Encourage your friends and co-workers Have each core member recruit at least 5 people money partners and any young professionals who to join your group. Try recruiting on local college to attend the kickoff. Post the event online and to save a child are already Red Cross volunteers to get your campuses, targeting seniors who are about to invite your friends. Distribute invitations via e-mail f r o m recruitment started. Think about what you can join the working world. Focus on companies with or at companies with young employees. Post and measles change a life mentor a high school volunteer bring to the table—your network of contacts at large numbers of young employees. Launch your give out flyers at places such as local gyms and make new connections work, school, and in your social life. online marketing on Facebook, LinkedIn, or a apartment complexes. help build successful page on the Red Cross web site. corporate To find your local chapter, visit redcross.org and Once you’ve established your program, the sky’s partnerships type in your zip code. 4. Hold board meetings the limit! A variety of meaningful activities like meet a d i v e r s e Carry out your marketing plan. Hold planning fundraisers, community service projects and group of 2. Create an action plan meetings to discuss and improve upon your social events will keep your members engaged new people Recruit other volunteers to brainstorm goals with original plan. Establish bylaws to determine how and effective at making a difference. build the you. Talk about what you’d like to focus on—such the group will function. Provide incentives for s k i l l s you as one major fundraiser and a mentoring program people to attend board meetings, like snacks, This info sheet is part of the Young Professionals need to or a community service project. short but meaningful service projects, and in the American Red Cross guide, a detailed become a better interesting meeting places. resource for starting a program for young l e a d e r visit a Establish your leadership structure and decide professionals. It includes information on veteran who will serve as your point of contact at the Assign committee chairs to lead initiatives such establishing and recruiting for your program as Red Cross chapter. Discuss marketing strategies as corporate partnerships, a speakers bureau, well as best practices from around the country. to recruit more young professionals from a disaster relief, and fundraising. Create a timeline Visit redcrossyouth.org/youngprofessionals attend a lunchtime speaker series speaker lunchtime a attend discover your passion your discover variety of fields. We recommend naming your with your activities and deadlines for the next six to download the Young Professionals in the give work with group “American Red Cross [insert city] young months to one year. American Red Cross Quick-Start Guide and other young professionals professionals group”. view a list of current American Red Cross young in your area 5. Host your first event professionals groups. s h a r e y o u r Contact other young professional networks or Plan an exciting kickoff gathering to spark interest talents junior boards in your area for ideas about starting in your program. Find a fun venue to host the This is just the beginning. For more information on your group. There may even be an association of event, a place young professionals enjoy going American Red Cross young professionals groups, young professional networks in your city! anyway. Local restaurants, bars, or lounges may and to share your successes and challenges, join a disaster action team be willing to give you a discount on drinks and please contact the National Young Professionals

3. Recruit your core leadership board appetizers. Council at [email protected]. build relationships

Assemble a leadership board with 5-10 core get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

strategic advice to the President & CEO, the Vice join a disaster action team President of Volunteer Management and other build relationships

senior leaders. get certiﬁed in something new to you concert

RedCrossYouth.org/YoungProfessionals